‘Regulation must not stifle FDs’
COMPLYING with onerous regulations must not distract finance directors from focusing on business growth.
That’s the view of Jane Haxby, office managing partner of the Manchester office of law firm Squire Sanders, one of the sponsors of this year’s North West FD of the Year awards.
Entries are now being accepted for the awards which celebrate the achievements of finance directors.
Ms Haxby said the importance of compliance is accepted but the problem is, “the burden of regulation, which often falls upon FDs and is stifling growth, innovation and job creation”.
She added: “The government has recognised this and did make some progress in reducing unnecessary, or badly designed, red tape. However this year we have seen some steps backwards.
“By far the most notable change is pensions auto-enrolment, with a £2.8bn cost to business. The government must be vigilant in its efforts to lessen unnecessary regulations affecting companies and ensure that future legislation is proportionate and does not distract FDs from focusing on growing the business.”
The 2012 awards categories are:
• Best FD of a Limited Company (under £50m turnover)
• Best FD of a Limited Company (over £50m turnover)
• Best FD of a Plc
• Young FD of the Year (up to 40 years of age)
• Best FD of a Private Equity-backed Business
• Best FD of a Public Sector Organisation
• Outstanding achievement award
The black tie awards dinner will be held on November 28 at The Hilton Hotel, Manchester.
The awards are also being supported by Sewell Recruitment, Barclays and Ernst & Young. The BusinessDesk.com is media partner for the awards in the North West and Yorkshire. For further information on the awards, categories and tickets, visit www.fdawards.co.uk.
